Publisher's Comments: So Much To Be Thankful For

November Greetings!

I am sure that most of you will agree that this has been a most challenging year for our country and industry.

Our nation’s financial woes which include the mortgage meltdown and credit crunch has caused many of our local mortgage companies, title companies, builders and other suppliers to the real estate community to close up shop or (at the least) make some major budget cuts to “weather” the financial storm and hold on till things improve.

Speaking of “weather”, there is no question that “Hurricane Ike’s” brief visit to our part of the world, added another heap of challenges (not to mention debris) to our listings and our real estate businesses.

At press time, there is so much uncertainty in our world financial markets, I am not sure that even the most optimistic in our industry believe that is we will be back doing “business as usual” anytime soon.

Even considering the aforementioned, we have allot to be thankful for. Here is what I am thankful for:

• I am glad that we are still here!
• I am thankful that we are a caring community that pitched in to help our friends and neighbors clean up after Ike’s departure. Did anyone else notice how many huge trees DID NOT fall on our homes?
• I am thankful that we live and work in Houston, Texas, which is still one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.
• I am thankful that we have so many real estate associations who are “there” for us with support (H.A.R,, Women’s Council of Realtors®, T.A.R., N.A.R., and all of the various ethnic associations (like NAHREP, AAREA and HREA)

Speaking of Women’s Council of Realtors®, we are indeed pleased to be honoring Becky Hill of Keller Williams Realty Professionals on the cover of this month’s issue. Becky will be installed as the 2009 National President of Women’s Council of Realtors® at this month’s Women’s Council of Realtors® Convention held in conjunction with the NAR Convention in Orlando. This is the first time in WCR’s history that the national president is based in Houston! After reading her story, you will indeed agree that she is more than deserving of the Presidency and the cover honor. Congratulations Becky!

As always, good reading, good sales and Happy Thanksgiving!

Success to you!

Steve Levine
Publisher